Water Treatment Plant Operator - Beaufort County Water Department

Beaufort County•Beaufort County, NC

About The Position

Employees in this class perform operational, maintenance, and laboratory duties to produce a safe and adequate supply of properly treated water. The work includes monitoring plant operations through observation, mechanical readings, and standard chemical and biological tests, then adjusting processes as required by demand and operating conditions. Employees work assigned or rotating shifts in indoor and outdoor environments and may encounter extreme hot and cold weather, loud noises, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mists, poor ventilation, oils, and confined spaces such as vaults. Work is evaluated based on water quality and supply, operating logs and records, and adherence to established operating policies. The operator runs the water plant and related pumps and equipment; monitors and adjusts chemical feeds; collects samples and performs laboratory tests; maintains and repairs pumps, wells, injectors, filters, and other plant equipment; monitors water sources and storage; and keeps detailed operational, maintenance, and laboratory records. The role also includes receiving and storing chemical deliveries, cleaning plant facilities and tanks, mowing and maintaining grounds, and performing custodial duties. Related duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
Valid North Carolina driver's license.
Possession of Level C water treatment operator certification within 18 months of employment.
Working knowledge of state laws regulating water purification and procedures for meeting permitted requirements.
Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water-treatment equipment, pumps, instruments, and control devices.
Working knowledge of standard laboratory tests and equipment used for required analyses.
Working knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions.
Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical maintenance and repair.
Working knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, and equipment system controls.
Skill in operating assigned equipment and working as part of a team.
Ability to solve technical or operational problems and perform standard laboratory tests.
Ability to understand and interpret detailed procedural, oral, and written instructions.
Ability to detect mechanical equipment flaws and determine appropriate corrective measures.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed records and reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and superiors.
Ability to perform physical functions including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
Ability to perform medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Visual acuity necessary to read charts, gauges, and dials; inspect small moving parts; and complete and read records and reports.

Nice To Haves

High school coursework or additional study in chemistry, biology, or mechanical maintenance.
An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

Operate the water plant and observe pumps, electric motors, chemical feed machines, and related equipment.
Backwash filters as needed and adjust chemical feeds based on laboratory analyses, readings, or operational conditions.
Operate booster pumps that feed chemicals; take samples and test for free chlorine and chlorine residual; adjust chemical feed pumps to achieve desired chemical levels.
Record equipment run times, volumes, readings, and other operational information.
Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on water pumps, chemical feed pumps, wells, injectors, and filters; diagnose problems, replace parts, change valves and meters, and repair leaks.
Inspect well sites and obtain readings; maintain chemical day tanks at necessary volumes.
Collect laboratory and distribution-system samples, perform standard analyses and tests, calibrate laboratory equipment, keep precise records, and interpret results.
Read charts, graphs, gauges, and meters; calculate pumped water volumes; and monitor elevated storage tank levels.
Start and stop pumps according to water demand and energy-saving considerations, and monitor pumping from various sources to use the best available source.
Repair and maintain plant equipment, replace switches and parts, and assist with more complex equipment repairs or replacements.
Clean sand drying beds, backwash tanks, and sludge holding tanks.
Receive, unload, and properly store chemical deliveries; fill, clean, and replace chemical and other tanks.
Mow grass around the plant and associated facilities, operate a weed eater, and perform custodial care such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and cleaning windows and restrooms.
Establish and maintain detailed records of plant operations, maintenance, and laboratory activities.
Perform related duties as required.